Reel Deals, LLC
movies and tanning
Buy 2, Get 1 Free on Emerald Bay
Why not take advantage of the rays while you’re at the lake, gardening, or walking? You can use most professional products to enhance your outdoor tanning experience!
The Emerald Bay product line is intended for indoor or outdoor use. They feature accelerators, light bronzers, and great scents. These products are very affordable, so you can stock up for the summer. Or, save them until next spring. Now through July 3rd, when you buy two Emerald Bay products, you get a third FREE! Just mention this post.
Remember that if you’re going to be outside for long, you may want to use sunscreen to prevent burning. Tanning products typically do not have any SPF. Also, the use of tingle products is not recommended for outdoor use, since you can’t control your exposure. Mojo is the only tingle product in the Emerald Bay line.
Avoid The Tan Tax
Buy points before June 30th to avoid the new 10% tax!
The recent health care bill includes a 10% tax on all indoor tanning services. Originally, the tax was supposed to be on cosmetic procedures, but after extensive lobbying by that industry, legislators switched the tax to tanning services in a closed-door meeting on Christmas Eve. Until now, tanning hasn’t been taxed at all since it is a service. This federal sales tax is unprecendented.
The IRS recently released new, detailed regulations on the tan tax. Any tanning points purchased July 1 or after are subject to the tax. Points purchased on June 30th or before are not taxable! Purchase points by Wednesday to avoid the tax! Remember that points do not expire. You can buy now, avoid the tax, and save your points until you’re ready to use them. You can even purchase the unlimited points package and wait until later to start your month.
Before these new regulations were released, it looked as though we would need to assess the tan tax on points purchased before July 1. If you’ve purchased points within the last few weeks, you may have paid the tax. We will credit customers’ accounts for any tan tax paid prior to July 1. We apologize for the inconvenience.
“Green Zone”
This week brings us “Green Zone” the latest collaboration from director Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon. They previously worked together on the last two “Bourne” movies. The film took in $35 million in domestic sales, and $93 million worldwide. It is rated “R” for violence and language.
Damon plays Roy Miller, an Army officer tasked with finding WMDs during the Iraq war. After searching several supposed weapons storage sites and coming up empty handed, Miller becomes suspicious of the intel that they are following. When a local civilian gives him a tip about a secret meeting of the leaders of the former Iraqi military, Miller takes his team to secure the location. A shoot-out erupts when they interrupt the meeting, and Miller catches a glimpse of the top Iraqi general, Al Rawi. From intelligence gathered in the raid, Miller begins attempting to track Al Rawi down, hoping to find legitimate weapons sites. As Miller gets closer to finding him, a special forces unit directly interferes with his investigation. Soon he begins uncovering a conspiracy to cover up bad intelligence that was used to justify the war in the first place. Miller must figure out the truth before the conspirators are able to cover their tracks.
As far as entertainment value is concerned, “Green Zone” is outstanding. The film is packed with fast-paced military ops, helicopter action, and even back alley chase scenes. Greengrass is a master of perfectly capturing the scenery and atmosphere of a location. The production team took great strides to accurately portray the feel of Iraq at the beginning of the war. In fact, many of the soldiers in the movie are actual U.S. troops.
With a controversial movie like this, it’s important to distinguish fact from fiction. The conspiracy in the film is actually conceivable, and if we’re not careful, it can fuel the unconventional theory that the government lied to the American people about the intelligence leading us into war. Damon’s character, Roy Miller, is based on a real person, Richard “Monty” Gonzales. He actually served as the primary military advisor for the movie, helping Greengrass create an accurate depiction of Iraq in wartime.
For more information, check out his article, The Truth About ‘Green Zone.’
“The Book Of Eli”
“The Book Of Eli” is the latest movie directed by the Hughes Brothers (“From Hell,” “Dead Presidents“). The film had gross box office sales of $94 million domestically. It is rated “R” for brutal violence and language.
The film takes place after an apocalyptic war has destroyed much of the planet. The human race has been decimated, and rogue gangs now run rampant, preying on any they encounter. Denzel Washington stars in the film as Eli, a wanderer who holds the last known copy of the Bible. He is on a mission heading west to deliver the book “where it is needed.” Along his journey he is forced into violent confrontations and must kill or be killed.
Gary Oldman (“Harry Potter” series) plays Carnegie, the leader of one town along Eli’s journey. After discovering Eli’s copy, he will stop at nothing to obtain it for himself. Eli continues on his journey and must find a worthwhile place to deliver the Word, while keeping it out of Carnegie’s hands.
“The Book Of Eli” is a thought-provoking film sure to please fans of the action and drama genres. It is sort of a cross between Waterworld (only the opposite scenario) and Mad Max, with a deeper message. The tension builds as the story unfolds, and the action scenes are quick, intense, and slightly gory. The movie’s pace changes throughout the movie, alternating among the thrilling fight scenes and the slower, calm moments. The entire movie is engaging and holds viewers’ interest.
While the film is definitely entertaining, its message is important as well. It reminds viewers that our past influences our future. It points out the importance of written word. The movie especially demonstrates the enduring power of the Bible. Most importantly, it illustrates that God has a plan for each of us.
“Shutter Island”
We were very excited when we first heard that Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio were teaming up again with the release of “Shutter Island.” Their previous three collaborations, “Gangs of New York,” “The Aviator,” and “The Departed,” resulted in 26 Academy Award and 17 Golden Globe nominations, with a total of 15 combined wins. The pair did not disappoint this time. “Shutter Island” is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps the viewer involved from beginning to end.
DiCaprio plays the lead role of Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshall sent to investigate a missing inmate who escaped from the mental institution located on the island. As he and his partner, Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), investigate, they find that something is not right on the island. Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley) is the lead doctor at the institution and seems to be hiding the truth about what is going on there. As Daniels digs further and further into the mysteries on the island, it becomes clear that if he discovers the truth, he won’t make it back off.
We expect to see several award nominations for “Shutter Island.” It has everything one could ask for in a suspense film. The gripping plot takes countless twists and turns. Viewers are sucked into the tension surrounding Marshall Daniels and the entire mysterious island. The dramatic musical score uses strong, grating chords to heighten the suspense. The musical selection is reminiscent of older films, complimenting the 1950’s setting.
As anticipated, the cast’s performances are fantastic. DiCaprio simply shines in this film. He is truly a master at conveying his character’s emotions. Mark Ruffalo is also convincing, stepping up a notch from the light romantic comedies that brought him stardom.
We enthusiastically recommend “Shutter Island.” Though this month is packed with huge titles, you just can’t miss this one! It’s a must-see!
